Scary Back and Chest Pain

Back and chest pain is often closely related, either due to neurological involvement, muscular interaction or even mindbody process. Injuries
or
degenerative
conditions in the middle and upper back can also cause pain in the
chest area. Chest pain is always a symptom to take seriously, since it
may be indicative of a serious health problem. If you experience sudden
chest pain, go to a doctor or hospital immediately. Combination
symptoms in the chest and back should be studied closely to ascertain
any possible link between the 2 conditions before either location is
treated.

Some frontal chest concerns may create back pain, such as in
the case of pulled muscles or cancer. Meanwhile, lots of dorsalgia
issues may also cause chest pain, including muscular concerns and
neurological dysfunction.

This discussion focuses on providing information about combined back and chest pain symptoms to help patients better understand their suffering.

Back Pain and Chest Pain

One of the most common forms of back and chest pain is caused by a
pinched nerve
in the middle or upper spine. These thoracic spinal nerves can be compressed by a
herniated disc,
muscle spasm,
bone spur
formation or
spinal stenosis,
among other potential causes. In the case of chest pain related to a pinched nerve, the sensory
or autonomic nerve fibers are often affected. Compressed sensory
nerves can cause pain in the back, as well as in the area served by the
nerve. Compressed autonomic nerves can cause a reduction in the signal
reaching any of the organs served by that nerve. If the nerve goes to
the heart or lungs, very serious health complications may occur.

It is also possible to have a
back muscle injury
that is causing sympathetic pain in the chest area. Severe muscle
strains can affect neighboring muscle groups. Muscle pain in the back
or shoulder can cause heaviness and pain in the upper chest. The pain
can be dull or
burning
and may radiate throughout the affected region.

Causes of Back and Chest Pain

Pain can be caused by injury to the diaphragm muscle or other muscles
and tendons around the rib cage. These muscles can cause chest and back
pain in a large area.

Digestive problems such as heartburn, indigestion, acid reflux and
ulcers
can cause severe burning pain in the chest cavity. These symptoms are
often so painful that they are mistaken for a heart attack.

Gallbladder problems can radiate pain into the chest cavity.
This type of pain is often worse after eating. Gall bladder pain can be
severe and come on rather suddenly.

Cautions for Back and Chest Pain

Any unexplained or unfamiliar chest pain can be life threatening. Do
not disregard any pain near your heart or lungs. Pain in the chest may
be an indicator of heart attack, unstable angina, pneumonia, pulmonary
embolism, cancer or other emergency health concern. If you experience
serious chest pain, go to a doctor or hospital immediately.

Similarly, if a known back injury occurs, there may be damage
which could well become a medical emergency. Nerves can suffer
tremendous trauma and may influence many bodily processes, including
some vital functionality in the chest anatomy. Never take any injury
for granted as being insignificant without proper medical evaluation.

Back and Chest Pain Advisory

I experienced an episode of chest and back pain one time only. It
was quite severe and long lasting. I felt shortness of breath, pain in
my lower chest and upper abdomen, as well as tightness and pain in my
lower back. I thought it might be related to my usual back pain, but it
turned out to be an injury to my diaphragm muscle. This injury
occurred during martial arts training and lasted for about 2 months. It
was quite an experience.

Acute back and chest pain due to a known spinal condition can be
very uncomfortable. Make sure that you have been thoroughly checked
out by a physician to rule out any other cause for the chest pain. If
the injury is muscular, relax. It will most likely heal itself in a
matter of weeks. If the pain is from a disc or bone condition in the
spine, be rest assured that when the back pain is relieved through
proper treatment, the chest pain should go away, as well. If the pain becomes chronic, or has no obvious physical cause,
you might want to consider the possibility that there is a mindbody
issue at the heart of the problem.

Anxiety, anger and fear can all
cause heart pain, difficulty breathing, and of course, back ache. For
these types of psychogenic health issues,
knowledge therapy
may offer a possible solution without any risks or costs.

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